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The United States Central Command, CENTCOM, says its forces fired on and disabled an Iranian-flagged tanker around 9 a.m. ET Wednesday in the Gulf of Oman.

CENTCOM made this disclosure on Wednesday in a press release, stating that the empty tanker was attempting to sail to an Iranian port after repeated warnings.

“US Central Command, CENTCOM, forces observed M/T Hasna as it transited international waters enroute to an Iranian port on the Gulf of Oman. American forces issued multiple warnings and informed the Iranian-flagged vessel it was in violation of the U.S. blockade,” CENTCOM said in a statement.

According to CENTCOM, the shots hit the tanker’s rudder, disabling its movement.

DAILY POST recalls that it is not the first time US forces have fired on tankers attempting to bypass the blockade.

“The US blockade against ships attempting to enter or depart Iranian ports remains in full effect. CENTCOM forces continue to act deliberately and professionally to ensure compliance,” CENTCOM added.

US strikes Iranian tanker ‘attempting to violate blockade’

The Government of Ghana has formally petitioned the African Union, AU as the xenophobic attacks in South Africa continue to claim the lives of unsuspecting Africans.

In the petition, sighted by DAILY POST on Thursday, the government requested the disturbing development be placed on the agenda at the upcoming Mid-Year Coordination Meeting, which is expected to be attended by Heads of State and Government.

DAILY POST reports that the meeting has been scheduled to take place El Alamein, Egypt from June 24 through to 27.

“I have the honour, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Ghana, to respectfully submit for inclusion on the agenda of the Eighth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the African Union, scheduled to take place from 24th to 27th June 2026, in El Alamein, Egypt, as a matter of urgent continental interest, the topic of Xenophobic Attacks in the Republic of South Africa against African Nationals”, the petition reads.

The government further stated that it remains deeply concerned by the recurrence of xenophobic incidents in South Africa, leading to the unfortunate loss of innocence lives.

Mr Ablakwa also pointed out that several investments of Africans residing in South Africa have been destroyed, stressing that the continued attack pose serious risk to the safety of many African nationals.

He said it is particularly troubling that manifestations of xenophobia, including violent attacks against fellow Africans, have persisted in recent years.

This development is especially concerning when viewed in light of the longstanding solidarity demonstrated by African states in support of the struggle against apartheid and South Africa’s subsequent democratic transformation, he added.

Mr Ablakwa stated that while fully acknowledging the sovereignty of the Republic of South Africa and its primary responsibility to protect all persons within its territory, the targeting of nationals from African countries presents a challenge to the shared principles of African solidarity, brotherhood, and continental unity to which all Member States of the African Union are committed.

Ghanaian Govt formally petitions African Union over xenophobic attacks in South Africa

The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Bode Ojajuni has cautioned students against involvement in cultism, drug abuse, examination malpractice, and other criminal behaviours, warning that such acts could jeopardize their future and societal stability.

Ojajuni gave the word of caution on Wednesday when he received students and lecturers from the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, at the Command Headquarters, Eleweran, Abeokuta.

A statement made available to DAILY POST by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the delegation, comprising lecturers and students of Geology and Geophysics, was led by Professor Akinmosin Adewale as part of a geological fieldwork excursion within Ogun State.

Babaseyi said the visit provided a platform for academic engagement and strengthened police–academia collaboration on youth development and public safety awareness.

In his remarks, the CP urged them to remain disciplined, focused, and future-oriented, emphasizing that education remains a critical pathway to personal success and national.

He reiterated that discipline, integrity, and hard work remain the foundation of lasting success.

Speaking earlier, Professor Adewale commended the leadership of the commissioner of police for sustained internal security efforts and enhanced community policing initiatives across the State.

He expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded to the delegation, noting that exposure to security institutions remains vital in building civic responsibility among young scholars.

Also, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Administration, DCP Ibrahim Abdul; Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department, DCP Gbenga Adeoye; and Assistant Commissioner of Police, Administration, ACP Akinmoladun Olu Moore, emphasized the importance of lawful conduct, patriotism, and responsible citizenship.

They further encouraged the students to serve as partners in community safety and as ambassadors of peace within their academic environment.

Responding on behalf of the delegation, a student representative, Mr. Adeniyi Oluwatobi, expressed profound appreciation to the commissioner and his management team for the warm reception, mentorship, and impactful engagement.

Ogun CP meets UNILAG students, cautions against drug abuse, cultism

Kebbi State chapter of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, has urged political parties yet to conduct congresses, as well as those that have concluded theirs, to ensure strict compliance with Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, guidelines and constitutional provisions ahead of party primaries.

The call was made in a statement on Wednesday by the Kebbi State IPAC Chairman, Faruku Garba, NATO, who stressed the need for transparent and credible congresses to strengthen internal democracy within political parties.

Garba said prompt, genuine, and impartial congresses serve as a “litmus test” for credible primary elections, noting that internal party democracy remains key to producing quality leadership.

According to him, “good leaders are produced through fair congresses,” adding that credible processes are essential tools political parties can use to achieve success in elections.

He warned that poorly conducted congresses often lead to litigation, which could jeopardise parties’ chances at the polls and create avoidable tensions within the democratic system.

Garba also urged all political parties in Kebbi State and across Nigeria to ensure their internal activities comply strictly with INEC laws and guidelines.

“We watch closely as events unfold in political party congresses, and we admonish them to ensure seamless congresses to avoid political rancour, or parties may risk being delisted for refusing to follow laid down rules provided in the constitution and INEC,” he said.

Kebbi IPAC tasks parties on strict adherence to INEC guidelines

Troops of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army have recorded major operational successes in Kogi State after rescuing kidnapped victims and intercepting a suspected terrorist ammunition courier during separate operations carried out on May 6, 2026.

According to the Army, troops under Operation TIGER PAW II successfully rescued the remaining victims abducted from the Daarul-Kitab Islamic Orphanage following sustained search and rescue operations in the Agbaja Forest area of Lokoja Local Government Area.

The rescued victims included five boys, two girls, and two adult women believed to be wives of the orphanage proprietor. Military authorities disclosed that all victims were immediately evacuated to the 12 Brigade Medical Centre for treatment and are currently in stable condition.

In another operation, troops acting on intelligence intercepted a suspected terrorist logistics courier identified as Yahaya Umar along the Obajana–Lokoja road. The suspect was allegedly caught transporting 500 rounds of 7.62mm NATO belted ammunition concealed inside a bag of maize in an attempt to avoid detection.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is believed to be involved in the movement of arms and ammunition for terrorist groups operating across the North Central region. The military further disclosed that the ammunition was reportedly being transported from Obajana Forest to Dikko Junction in Niger State for delivery to another suspected terrorist operative.

The suspect is currently in military custody and undergoing further interrogation as security agencies intensify efforts to dismantle the criminal network and arrest other members of the syndicate.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against terrorists and criminal elements while urging Nigerians to continue providing timely information to security agencies.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, along with his delegation, met at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday to establish a strategic plan aimed at ensuring peaceful elections.

The meeting was attended by the Force Management Team and other distinguished representatives from the commission, including the National Commissioner for the North-Central Region, Professor Sanni Muhammed; the National Commissioners for the North-East Region, Mrs. Jamila Abubakar Malafa, and Dr. Baba Bila; the National Commissioner for the South-South Region, Rear Admiral Rhoda Gumus; the National Commissioner for the South-West Region, Professor Kunle Ajayi; as well as senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force.

The discussions centered on the security framework necessary for the forthcoming electoral cycle, particularly in light of the current national security challenges affecting the imminent Ekiti and Osun off-cycle elections, the upcoming bye-elections, and the 2027 General Elections.

During his address, Professor Amupitan emphasized the critical importance of implementing proactive security measures and providing specialized training for personnel.

He specifically called for the establishment of a secure environment that allows Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, and Persons Living with Disabilities, PWDs, to exercise their constitutional rights without fear or obstruction.

In his reply, IGP Olatunji Disu characterized the visit as a timely contribution to democratic stability. He revealed that the Nigeria Police Force has already initiated strategic actions, including precision intelligence mapping to counter political violence, cult-related activities, and intimidation; comprehensive planning for the secure transportation of electoral materials and personnel; coordinated communication with allied security agencies to ensure a unified operational front; and efforts to combat misinformation.

The IGP further assured the delegation that all officers assigned to election duty will be strictly guided by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act.

He emphasized that personnel are currently undergoing comprehensive training on the rules of engagement and the safeguarding of human rights.

As the primary agency responsible for election management, IGP Disu stated that the Force is dedicated to upholding public order with a strict policy of zero tolerance for professional misconduct.

He also assured that any officer found lacking in their responsibilities or engaging in actions that compromise the integrity of the elections will face disciplinary measures in accordance with the law.

In his concluding remarks, the IGP reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all citizens, with special consideration for Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, and Persons with Disabilities, PWDs.

While pledging the full support of the Nigeria Police Force to INEC, he called for unreserved cooperation from the Commission and other stakeholders to facilitate a smooth and successful transition for the nation.

IGP Disu, INEC boss, Amupitan meet, strategize ahead of elections

A former governor of Taraba State and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jolly Nyame, has resigned from the ruling party, citing alleged marginalisation and unfair treatment of his people.

Nyame announced his decision while addressing members of his support group following a Federal High Court verdict in Jalingo. This was contained in a video circulating on social media.

The former governor said he consulted with supporters and stakeholders from Zing Local Government Area before deciding to leave the APC in search of another political platform through which he could continue to serve the people.

He explained that he was joining forces with like-minded individuals committed to the development of the area, adding that years of loyalty and contributions to the APC had not translated into fair treatment for him and his community.

“As the Dabon Yarro and leader of the entire Yorro community worldwide, comprising Mumuye, Yandan, Yorti and others, if they will not honour me, who then will they honour among my people?” he asked.

Nyame alleged that people from his zone had for years faced political exclusion and lacked adequate representation in the affairs of the state.

The former governor also disclosed that pressure had been mounting on him to contest elective office ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“At my age, it is not a must for me to contest any elective position, but the pressure from the people is enormous. They believe their voices have been suppressed for too long,” he said.

He warned that continued silence over the alleged injustice against the people could further worsen their situation and called on his supporters to stand with him in the struggle to improve the fortunes of the people.

Nyame resigns from APC over alleged marginalisation

Ivory Coast has dissolved the body responsible for organising elections following persistent criticism from opposition parties over its management of the country’s electoral process.

The decision was announced on Wednesday after a cabinet meeting, months after President Alassane Ouattara secured a controversial fourth-term victory in the October presidential election, a poll from which several prominent opposition figures were excluded.

Government spokesperson and Communications Minister, Amadou Coulibaly, confirmed that the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) had been dissolved.

“In view of the reservations expressed about this institution, as well as the criticism it has faced, the Council of Ministers has decided to dissolve it,” he stated.

Coulibaly, however, did not disclose what structure would replace the electoral body, noting that discussions on a new mechanism would be handled by the government at a later stage.

“I cannot tell you at this stage what this new mechanism will be, which will certainly be discussed and put in place at the government level,” he added.

According to him, the move is aimed at strengthening public confidence in the electoral process and ensuring the conduct of peaceful elections in the future.

Former Prime Minister Pascal Affi N’Guessan welcomed the development and called for broader consultations involving political parties and civil society groups to rebuild the country’s electoral framework.

In a post on X, he urged authorities to “open a dialogue with political and civil society organisations to rebuild the electoral system, in the name of peace and stability.”

Major opposition parties, including the Democratic Party of Ivory Coast led by Tidjane Thiam and the African Peoples’ Party-Ivory Coast headed by former president Laurent Gbagbo, did not immediately react to the announcement.

Both Gbagbo and Thiam were barred from contesting the last presidential election due to legal and nationality-related issues.

Opposition groups in the country have repeatedly accused the electoral commission of lacking independence, alleging bias in the management of elections and oversight of the electoral register.

Ivory Coast dissolves electoral commission after opposition criticism

The National office of the Accord Party has announced that it would not field a governorship candidate in Abia State during the 2027 polls.

The party has also directed the executive and members of the party in the State to work for the victory of Governor Alex Otti in 2027.

The National Chairman of the party, Professor Christopher Imumolen and the National Secretary, Mukhtar Abdullah Djungo announced this on Wednesday when they visited Governor Otti in his country home, Nvosi Isialangwa South LGA.

According to Professor Imumolen, the performance of the Abia State Governor earned him the support of the AC national office.

The Chairman said that opposition parties should not only exist in Nigeria as instruments of criticism but should also acknowledge the areas they did well.

Also speaking, the National Secretary of Accord Party, Malam Mukhtar Abdullah Djungo, said:

“On behalf of our party, I want to assure your Excellency that no candidate from our party will be contesting for the Governorship position in Abia State.

“The National Working Committee has directed the State Executive of the party to join hands with the Labour Party and work for the good of the people of Abia State. Let the good work continue,” the National Secretary stated.

Responding, Governor Alex Otti, who thanked the National Chairman and members of the National Working Committee of the Accord Party for their understanding, said he would also work with them.

“The whole essence of politics is about the welfare of our people and security of our people,” Governor Otti said.

Accord Party withdraws from Abia 2027 guber race, backs Otti

Former Rangers winger, Ejike Uzoenyi has backed his former club to win the 2025-26 league title.

Uzeonyi believed that with fair officiating the Flying Antelopes will clinch their ninth NPFL title.

The Enugu-based sit at the top of the NPFL table with 62 points with two matches remaining in the season.

Rangers are one point adrift of Rivers United on the table.

“Let both teams play their games and let the officiating be seen to be free and fair,”the former Rangers forward told Completesports.

“Whether they play at home or not, or whoever they face, makes no difference. What matters is fair officiating and with that, Rangers will win.”

Rangers will to battle with Bendel Insurance and Ikorodu City in their last two fixtures while Rivers United will play Wikki Tourists and Katsina United, respectively.

NPFL: Uzoenyi backs Rangers to beat Rivers United to title